Brain Injury Treatment and Resources

Because the human brain is so complex, it is difficult to predict how and when it will recover from a traumatic injury. However, most medical experts agree a team-based approach to care offers the best opportunity for a good outcome. As such, most serious brain injury patients will receive care from physiatrists, speech therapists, neurologists, cognitive therapists, psychologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and others. All of these medical providers will be working with one goal in mind: return the patient to independent living.

Brain injury patients and their families require a great deal of support to cope with the physical, mental, emotional and financial burdens associated with a brain injury. Below are links to websites which provide helpful information or support:

The Brain Injury Association of America -- The Brain Injury Association of America works to promote awareness, understanding and prevention of brain injuries. In addition to their own site, the Brain Injury Association of America has accumulated more than 40 chartered state affiliates to provide resources for brain injury victims.

The TBI Survival Guide -- Dr. Glen Johnson's book, the Traumatic Brain Injury Survival Guide, explains brain injuries and the recovery process in simple, understandable terms.

Brain Trauma Foundation -- The Brain Trauma Foundation's mission statement is to improve brain injury patients' outcomes by developing best practices guidelines, conducting clinical research and educating medical providers, patients and patients' families.

National Rehabilitation Information Center -- This site provides disability and rehabilitation information related to employment, advocacy, benefits, financial assistance, education, technology and more.

Access to Recreation -- This organization provides information and resources to help injury victims find adaptive equipment for hunting, bowling, cycling, swimming and other recreational pursuits.

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services -- This government agency is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing information and resources to parents, school districts and states in three main areas: special education, rehabilitation and speech.

Project Action -- This organization is a division of Easter Seals, and it is committed to promoting access to transportation for persons with disabilities. Visitors to the site can sign up for electronic newsletters.

National Resource Center for TBI -- This site offers practical and useful information for medical providers, persons with brain injuries and family members. It offers a mailing list where subscribers receive emails with new and useful information as well as a monthly newsletter.

The Able Project -- This is a non-profit group with a mission to help people living with disabilities find mobility and other helpful products.